Best Doctor For Brain Infection Treatment In Mumbai Meningitis is an inflammatory disease of the leptomeninges, the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The major bacteria, responsible for meningitis include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis and Listeria monocytogenes. The most common clinical features include severe headache, fever, stiff neck, altered mental status and nausea. The less common manifestations are seizures, difficulty in speech, weakness over one or more limbs, coma, cranial nerve paralysis and rash. The initial blood tests should include a complete blood count with differential and platelet count and two blood cultures of appropriate volume. Every patient with suspected meningitis should have CSF ( the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord ) obtained unless contraindicated. Examination of CSF is crucial for establishing the diagnosis, identifying the organism and appropriate selection of antibiotics. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency. The most important initial management issues are avoiding a delay in administering antimicrobial therapy and choosing an effective drug regimen. The mortality rate of untreated disease approaches 100 percent and , even with optimal therapy, there can be a high failure rate. Hence it is prudent to involve the specialist at the earliest and to follow his guidance.